Astrologer Teri Parsley Starnes welcomes you to the Starsdance. I invite you to join me in contemplating the wonder of sky and Earth. Through following the Moon, the planets, and the wisdom of the seasons and signs, my goal is to offer a useful practice of mindfulness and intention for the thoughtful seeker. Shall we dance?

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Sunday, December 21, 2014

Follow the Moon: Forecast for December 21, 2014 – December 27

A super-charged Capricorn lunar cycle begins this week. Significant
coincidences abound giving those of us who follow the Moon good opportunity to
lay down solid new patterns of transformation. The New Moon occurs less than
two hours after the Sun enters Capricorn, signaling the beginning of winter in
the Northern Hemisphere and a new lunar cycle of mindful manifestation. Saturn,
the planetary ruler of Capricorn, is moving into a new sign just a couple of
days after the New Moon. (Saturn stays in a sign about two and a half years, so
this is a big deal.) Pluto, which has been in Capricorn since 2008, has
recently made an exact square to Uranus in Aries agitating turgid, old-guard
mentalities, a shadow side to Capricorn. Change is in the air; systems are under
review. This Capricorn season is a chance to advocate for changing systems that
no longer function well for us.

Capricorn qualities. In the Northern
Hemisphere, Capricorn’s season begins with the longest night. Winter has us
instinctually guarding the storehouses to make sure provisions will last until
the next growing cycle begins. This survival instinct gives Capricorn an
intense need to maintain systems of behavior and codes of law. Agreements and
integrity make the systems work. The Capricorn Goat is a mountain climber. Now,
we begin the climb out of seasonal darkness and have a long way to go before the
hours of sunlight exceed the night’s. Steadiness, dependability, and an ability
to defer gratification are admirable Capricorn qualities that help us complete
this journey. The Tarot card that stands for Capricorn is The Devil. Capricorn’s
high expectations can enchain us yet also liberate us if they lead to wisdom
and mastery. Capricorn’s natural realm relates to aspirations, career, and
success. Capricorn rules the bones and the knees. History, legacy, and
tradition influence Capricorn’s choices. As a cardinal earth sign, Capricorn
means business and appreciates the literal facts of things. Yet, there is a paradoxical,
mystical side to this sign. Capricorn’s Mountain Goat has a fish’s tail, signifying
how Capricorn can be both grounded and fluid when necessary. This side of Capricorn
swims in the vast waters of ultimate truths seeking wisdom about the structures
of self and society. From these foundations, Capricorn reaches for the absolute
best there is.

As the guardian of
rules, traditions, and hierarchies, Capricorn represents the “system” under
which we live. When Pluto entered Capricorn, we began to see more clearly the
toxicity in our systems. With Uranus squaring Pluto (since 2012), more and more
people are activated to change these systems. Capricorn assesses the bottom
line by asking, “Does the system work for me? Do I have a chance of success
under this system?” As we consider these questions it is important to know what
success means to us. Is an economic system that concentrates wealth for only a
small percentage of people either sustainable or successful? Is extracting and
burning more and more fossil fuels at the cost of our environment a successful
system? Is incarcerating millions of Black men in the name of a war on drugs a successful
way to create a vibrant and healthy society? What is success?

These Capricorn qualities
will be important as this lunar cycle progresses. This month we’ll be motivated
to work harder, define our bottom line, and reach for new goals. It may be
impossible to climb the Capricorn mountain to success without first evaluating
what success means to us. We live in liberating times. As we re-imagine our
systems, we gain the strength of Capricorn’s determination. My intention for
this Capricorn lunar cycle is to redefine my vision of success to create a
system that sustains beauty, liberation, and truth. The Mary Oliver poem, The
Summer Day, asks a great Capricorn question: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?” What mountain is worth your effort and
your dream?

Forecast for December 21, 2014 – December 27

Moon enters Capricorn 7:25 pm CST

December 21—New Moon: Dreaming.Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere).
The introduction to this week’s forecast (above) sets the tone for this super-charged
Capricorn lunar cycle and Winter Solstice day. We begin to climb out of the
darkest time of the year in the northern hemisphere just as the Capricorn
Mountain Goat is poised to begin a new climb to excellence. We live in
revolutionary times. Systems are under review. When we know that the system
supports our goals, we can enjoy the work that Capricorn invokes. What is the
seed you plant in the darkness? It is important to take this winter season to
evaluate what you want to grow from this potent time of the year and what
systems you will commit to.

The Sun and Moon in
the New Moon chart are at the first degree of Capricorn, the cardinal earth
sign. The beginnings of cardinal signs are considered very powerful points of
initiation. If a New Moon is an opportunity to lay down a new pattern in our
lives, then this New Moon is a potent opportunity for intention and change. Earth-centric
energy is enhanced. This applies to our bodies, the body of the Earth, and to
solid forms and manifestation of desire. The metaphor of return from darkness
in the northern part of the world and from the apex of summer in the southern
part of the world helps us as we encounter challenges and doubts along the way.
Light and dark are powerful qualities to harness in our lives at this
moment.

Uranus stations direct
today while squaring Pluto. Characteristically, winter calls us to spend more
time in reflection, but the fires of action still burn brightly. Planets are
stronger when they change direction. Uranus creates an atmosphere of impatience
with old systems that simply are no longer functioning. We can expect that this
urgency does not die down for a while. The final square between Pluto and
Uranus is in March 2015. Both of these planets are moving direct and will
remain closely square (within one degree) until that time. Not since these two
planets began these transits in 2012 has this been the case. It looks like this
paradigm changing transit will go out with a bang.

Moon in Capricorn
Monday, December 22. This is an excellent
day to evaluate the systems that either support your goals or inhibit them. The
Moon in Capricorn is busy today. As most of us sleep (CST) the Moon makes an
enchanting sextile to Neptune. Do you remember your dreams? At this seed time
of the year, dreams have significance. Later the Moon conjoins Mercury in
Capricorn and we benefit from strategic thoughts and conversations. What is the
plan? Capricorn likes to think long-range, spanning the ancient past into the
realizable future. With increased attention we begin to notice the Uranus/Pluto
square being activated by the Moon. As long as we are willing to change the
systems, we are energized to work for our goals. Those who are entrenched in
the status quo may have a harder time. All of us will need to make adjustments
in order to get with the program. Tonight may be good for meaningful
connections with others when the Moon conjoins Venus.

Moon enters Aquarius 8:52 pm CST

Tuesday,
December 23. Saturn enters
Sagittarius today. Those born under this Sun sign could very well feel Saturn
breathing down their necks. Sometime in the next two and a half years, Saturn
will transit your Sun, asking you to get real about what your life is about.
For Sagittarius, this can be uncomfortable. Sag likes to have lots of options
and tends to have an escape route planned. If this dynamic describes you, does
this pattern support your long-range plans to manifest your life purpose?
Saturn wants us to ask ourselves these questions. The push and pull is between
responsibility and daring to take off on new adventures. It isn’t about one or
the other being better. Saturn’s secret desire is for each of us to attain mastery
and wisdom. In this season of Capricorn, we notice a shift in how Saturn is
speaking to us. There is a middle path. When the Moon enters Aquarius tonight
(CST) it forms an encouraging aspect to Saturn. Tonight is a good time to dream
about your life and your work.

Moon in Aquarius

Wednesday,
December 24. Visionary energy is
high today. The Moon in Aquarius has us analyzing systems for their ability to
liberate us. We either want to tinker with systems or just overthrow them all
together. Mercury in Capricorn conjoins Pluto and squares Uranus in Aries today
and tomorrow. Mercury’s mental talents are focused through the Capricorn lens
toward recognizing the change that needs to happen and the ways we will work to
achieve our visions. Responsibility, integrity, and clear-eyed pragmatism are
assets. Notice who has these qualities and cultivate those relationships. Just
to make sure we stay awake during all this, the Moon conjoins Mars tonight
(CST). If you celebrate Christmas, this may not be one of the most tranquil
Christmas Eves, but it could feel important and inspiring.

Moon enters
Pisces 10:07 pm CSTDecember 25—Crescent Moon: Beginning.At this stage of the
lunar cycle, we notice that both conscious and unconscious choices have created
increasing momentum. The train has left the station. Considering how much large
planetary energy was activated in the first few days of this Capricorn lunar
cycle, this may be even truer this time. The train has indeed left the station
and we have a better sense of the work ahead. What seeds are you planting in
the dark? My New Moon intention was to focus on what success meant to me and to
evaluate the systems that I live within. Have you noticed the connection
between success and systems? Is there alignment for you?

The Moon is in Aquarius most of the day so peaceful Pisces energy might
not be felt until late this evening (CST). Political conversations at holiday
gatherings could be encouraging or conflict-filled. The Moon opposes Jupiter
making these interactions more volatile unless we remember to acknowledge
individual expression and choice. Many are in the process of changing opinions
and not everyone feels graceful or secure during the transition. The sextile
between Mercury and Chiron nudges us towards compassion and empathy. This could
help us to think twice before blurting out harsh opinions.

Moon in Pisces

Friday, December
26. Time to rest,
reflect, and replenish. The Moon in Pisces may leave us feeling more sensitive
and vulnerable. A lot of recent emotion needs to be processed and released.
Rather than head back to the malls to escape lingering tension, find a gentle way
to support your soul. The Moon conjoins Neptune this morning (CST) doubling the
effect of the Moon in Pisces. We really do need to listen to our hearts. The
Sun joins in with an encouraging sextile to Neptune today too. Capricorn can
sometimes feel like it is all about business. This contact with Neptune reminds
us that we are more than our accomplishments and goals. There is good support
for integration today.

Moon In Pisces

Saturday,
December 27. Pisces integration
continues. Within your tender heart, notice a longing for significance and
impact. The quincunx aspect between Venus in Capricorn and Jupiter in Leo shows
us the ways we are pulled between believing we must work hard to be appreciated
and how we deserve appreciation just for being ourselves. It isn’t an either/or
situation. Sometimes hard work does get us the accolades we desire and
sometimes the best acknowledgement we could receive is that we matter to
someone else.

Contact Teri at
teri@starsdanceastrology.com and visit her website at www.starsdanceastrology.com to learn about booking a reading
of your chart.